Urban Spaces and Leisure - Masterpieces by South Korean Photographer Seunggu Kim in an Exhibition in Gauting, Germany
Seunggu Kim’s “Better Days” is not just a series of photographs; it is a narrative journey into the heart of South Korean society. The series skillfully documents contemporary life, where the pursuit of happiness meets the reality of societal expectations. Through vivid images that juxtapose urban landscapes with moments of leisure, Kim reflects on the concept of leisure and leisure spaces in South Korea. “Better Days” delves into the nuances of how urban spaces are used for brief escapes from the bustling city life, revealing the artist’s contemplations on finding balance and harmony in a fast-paced society.
The municipality of Gauting (Munich Metropolitan Area) just announced the Gauting International Photo Summer 2024 from June to September. In June visitors are cordially invited to enjoy the extraordinary exhibition “Better Days” by Seunggu Kim as first exhibition in the open air in the idyllic town hall garden which is open 24 hours a day. Admission to this cultural event is free.
“Better Days” offers a deep insight into today’s life in South Korea, seen through the eyes of one of its most innovative photographers. The exhibition not only showcases the artist’s outstanding skills in documentary photography but also reflects on social developments and the collective pursuit of a better life in cities. It encourages reflection and exchange on topics such as community spirit, identity, and the quest for happiness.
His work has been celebrated both nationally and internationally, with works in prestigious collections including Museum Hanmi, Korea, The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow, Russia, Museum Center Ploshchad Mira, Krasnoyarsk, Russia, Museum of Contemporary Photography, Chicago, US, KT&G Sangsangmadang, Korea, National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Art Bank, Korea, Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art, Korea, GoEun Photo Museum, Korea and Dong-gang Photo Museum, Korea. Numerous media have reported on Seunggu Kim's works, including the New York Times, CNN and the Financial Times.
Seunggu Kim is a photographer who lives and works in Seoul, South Korea. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Photography from Sangmyung University and a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from the Korea National University of Arts. In his work, he strives to illuminate the lifestyle in South Korea by creating a balance between natural and unnatural elements in his photographs. Kim explores the complicated nature of our reality by depicting how various aspects of our lives - such as the center and margin of our society, traditions and modern developments, spiritual beliefs and material desires - intersect, blend, and evolve through everyday themes like urban living, suburban areas, leisure activities, and the climate.
He tells that we are eating barbecue meat, lighting a campfire and making memories. He observes the various spaces and people around the city and slowly frames them, expecting the complex situation to come into balance. Ordinary leisure time lived by an individual is collected by him in a square frame, expanded into dozens or hundreds of moments, arranged and forms a multi-layered relationship.
Seunggu Kim: Better Days
Outdoor Exhibition
Curated by Michael Nguyen
1.6. - 29.6.2024. Opening: Saturday, 1. Juni 2024, 11 a.m.
Rathaus Gauting, Town Hall Garden
Bahnhofstr. 7, D - 82131 Gauting (Munich Metropolitan Area)
